Altrincham, Knutsford and Greenbank railway stations, on the Mid Cheshire Line, have been recognised at the Cheshire Best Kept Stations Annual Awards Evening held at the Grange Theatre, Northwich on Tuesday 28th Janaury 2020.
Altrincham Interchange scooped the Transport for Greater Manchester Award, Knutsford was highly commended for the Cheshire East Award and Greenbank won the Best Kept Station in Cheshire West Award.
Acton Bridge on the Crewe to Liverpool Line also won the Art Projects Award.
The Evening was attended by Mr David Briggs, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire and seventeen mayors from boroughs, town and parishes across Cheshire including, the Mayor of Trafford, the Mayor of Knutsford and the Mayor of Northwich.
Mr Briggs concluded the evening by praising the station volunteers across Cheshire who dedicate considerable time to the county and were an inspiration to all.
John Oates, chairman of both the Mid Cheshire Community Rail Partnership and the Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association said:
“I am delighted with these wins on the Mid Cheshire Line and with the win for Acton Bridge.
“Whether they won awards or not, I would like to thank all our Station Friend Groups whose amazing dedication and continuing hard work make such a difference at our local stations.
“Our local station staff and community support staff should also be applauded, as the industry is going through significant upheaval at the moment.”
Cllr Rob Chilton, the Mayor of Trafford said:
“I am delighted to see Altrincham Interchange receive this well-deserved award.
“Since it’s regeneration, the new Interchange has turned a grubby and dated station into a modern hub of activity in the centre of the town.
“Supported by a dedicated and hard-working Friends Group, the station’s historic features and connections with our town are now being properly appreciated.”
Ian Stuart, the chair of Altrincham Interchange said:
“Receiving recognition from TfGM and Cheshire Best Kept Stations for the work done in improving the Interchange and the travel experience for passengers is most rewarding.
“The Friends of Altrincham Interchange have further plans afoot for the near future and we all look forward to working closely not only with TfGM but equally with Northern Trains and Network Rail to see them through.”
Cllr Andrew Malloy, the Mayor of Knutsford said:
“With Knutsford being one the busiest stations on the Mid Cheshire line, it’s great to see the wonderful work of the staff at the station and volunteers such as Knutsford in Bloom continuing to be recognised.
“Let’s face it, using public transport is not always the greatest experience, but to be able to do this in a pleasant atmosphere and surroundings with planting and displays, at least the experience can be made as pleasant as possible.
“Well done to all involved at the station for their hard work, I encourage more to get involved at their local station, helping to enhance the community experience for local residents, and visitors alike.”
Cllr Kevin Rimmer, the Mayor of Northwich, said:
“I am so pleased and proud that Greenbank Railway Station has been recognised at this important community event.
“This is all down to Graham, Mark and Nigel who are our unsung heroes in the community.
“I also thank Hartford Men in Sheds who have supported the station group especially with their work on the Garden of Peace and Remembrance at the station.”
Graham Hallett from The Friends of Greenbank Station said:
“Along with my colleagues Mark Goulborn and Nigel Nutt, we are thrilled that Greenbank station has been named the best kept station in Cheshire West.
“This was a compliment we were not expecting.
“I would like to thank all those in the area that have supported us at the station and the positive comments we receive all the time from the passengers using the station.”
The Friends of Acton Bridge Station said:
“The Friends of Acton Bridge Station are delighted with their award for the Art Project designed by the local play group and primary school,
“It brightens up the ticket office that was previously very unwelcoming and now it brings a smile to travellers and commuters as they pass through the Station.
“Many thanks to all the Volunteers who made this a success.”
Click here for further details of the Awards with photos of the winning groups.
